Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

Thursday, September 16Washington may be getting cooler, but Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar is turning up the heat with “A Smooth Music Tribute to Miami Vice,” presented by Billy Dee Williams and Bandanas. There’ll be music from Yacht Funk Era, videos on a projection screen, and $3 Colt 45 tallboys. The party starts at 9. No cover.

Shop for a cause at the District Sample Sale, which benefits the George Washington Mammovan, a mobile unit that offers mammograms. Twenty of Washington’s high-end boutiques are unloading their end-of-season clothes, shoes, and accessories at killer prices. Participating stores include Wink, Urban Chic , and Daisy Too. The sale is in Cady’s Alley at 3336 M Street, Northwest, from 6:30 to 9:30. Tickets (General Admission, $40) are no longer available online, but a limited number will be offered at the door.

Friday, September 17Celebrate your inner diva at the Martinis & Lashes event hosted by Beauty 360. Learn the proper technique for fake-lash application while sipping on mock-tinis (you wouldn’t want to risk poking an eye out, would you?), snacking, and waiting to hear the results of the door-prize drawings. 6 to 9. Tickets ($35) can be purchased here.

In a series of readings aimed at promoting dialogue between the African-American and Latino communities, poets from the literary organizations Cave Canem and Letras Latinas will deliver their latest works aloud. This free event at the Writer’s Center features the voices of Gregory Pardlo, Terri Cross Davis, Brenda Cárdenas, and Paul Martinez Pompa. 7:30 to 9:30.

Today is National (Park)ing Day, which celebrates creative exploration of urban and green spaces. The idea is to turn urban areas into small, temporary parks. The DC event’s organizers are planning to have parks set up in Georgetown, on U Street, in Gallery Place, and in Adams Morgan. Each location will have food, drinks, and games. Visit the Web site for complete details and updates.

Put your scavenging skills to the test at the annual Scavenger Hunt in Alexandria’s Old Town Boutique District. Today through Sunday, aim to collect stamps on your “passport” from all 28 participating stores to win a $2,800 shopping spree. Each store will give away free goodies to scavengers. Download your passport here, and see a list of all participating stores and their hours here.

Saturday, September 18Festival season takes the party to the H Street Festival today. Free fun activities include an art-car show and a tattoo competition. There’ll also be food, music on three stages, and a speed-chess competition. Noon to 6.

Like sex and candy? The 1990s one-hit wonder Marcy Playground (remember “Sex and Candy”?) takes the stage at the Merriweather Post Pavilion for the HFStival 2010. The all-day outdoor concert also features Billy Idol, Third Eye Blind, Everclear, Fuel, and Lit as well as smaller stages with local bands. 11 AM. Click here for tickets ($35 and up).

The 13th annual National Black L.U.V. Festival takes place at Pennsylvania Avenue and Fourth Street, Northwest, starting at noon. The free one-day event includes yoga in the park, local musicians and artists, and free HIV testing.

Sunday, September 19With 30 wines and tequila tastings, the fourth annual Vintage Crystal Wine Festival is a sure bet for end-of-the-weekend fun. The Latin-themed festival will have tapas, live music and dancing. Best of all, it’s located right near the Crystal City Metro, so you don’t even have to think about driving home. Free; 2 to 6.

Enjoy opera and the great outdoors with Washington National Opera for Target Free Opera in the Outfield. Take in the live simulcast of Un Ballo in Maschera, currently at the Kennedy Center, on a big screen at Nationals Stadium. Bring the kids, who can make masks and check out the opera’s costume collection. 2 PM; gates open at noon.